https://birminghamdaily.co.uk/tags/parasports/Recent content in parasports on Birmingham DailyHugo -- gohugo.ioen-usWed, 27 May 2026 17:24:00 +0000https://birminghamdaily.co.uk/ellie-simmonds-reflects-on-retirement-joy-ahead-of-birmingham-2022-games/Wed, 27 May 2026 17:24:00 +0000https://birminghamdaily.co.uk/ellie-simmonds-reflects-on-retirement-joy-ahead-of-birmingham-2022-games/Ellie Simmonds, one of Great Britain’s most celebrated para swimmers, has reflected fondly on her retirement before the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming Glasgow 2026 event. At just 31 years old, Simmonds has an extraordinary career behind her, securing five Paralympic gold medals starting at age 13 in Beijing. She retired from competitive swimming in 2021, a decision she stands by wholeheartedly. In 2022, rather than competing, Simmonds contributed to Birmingham Games’ success behind the scenes as a member of the organizing committee and worked alongside the BBC’s coverage team.